For gardeners who want extremely low maintenance, a self-watering planter is the best way to grow. These containers provide water to plants from a reservoir beneath the soil, ensuring plants always have the perfect amount of moisture, and maintaining them requires nothing more than an occasional refill of their reservoir. But commercial brands of self-watering containers are expensive. That’s where making your own DIY self-watering planter comes into play. In this article, I share step-by-step plans for the DIY self-watering planter I’ve been making and using for years. It’s a game changer for container gardening!
Why Opt for a DIY Self-Watering Planter?
Self-watering containers, also called sub-irrigated planters, are designed in a way that allows the plants growing in them to access water whenever they need it. These pots have a separate enclosed water reservoir beneath the planting area. Water is drawn out of the reservoir (sometimes called a wicking chamber) and into the potting soil through wicking action. As the plant roots suck water up out of the soil, more water is drawn up from the reservoir to keep the soil moisture levels optimum without letting the roots sit in water. The reservoir system of a self-watering planter keeps soil moisture levels at the sweet spot while preventing the root rot often caused by letting water sit in a saucer beneath a plant.
Beyond this underground wicking action keeping foliage dry and suppressing fungal diseases on certain plants – I’m talking to you, tomatoes! – self-watering containers also reduce the frequency of waterings and save wasted water by preventing runoff. They are one of the easiest ways to save water, time, and energy in the garden. Though they aren’t truly self-watering—you still have to fill the reservoir when it gets low—using self-watering containers significantly cuts down on the amount of time you’ll spend watering. I fill the reservoir in my DIY self-watering planter featured below only once every 10 days or so, except in extreme heat where it’s more like once a week.
The only downside to self-watering containers is the cost of commercial brands. Though they’ll last many years, and they come in a wide range of colors and styles, commercially made self-watering containers aren’t cheap. I’ve found that making my own DIY self-watering planter is easy to do and less costly than using commercial brands, especially if you need large ones. In choosing your materials for this DIY, you will have some options on color choices, so that’s good news, but DIY versions are not as “high-style” as the commercial ones. Still, I think the cost savings make creating these DIY self-watering planters totally worth it. This commercial self-watering container is pretty, but it was also expensive.
How Self-Watering Planters Work: The Science Behind the Simplicity
The magic of a self-watering planter lies in a simple principle called capillary action, also known as wicking. This phenomenon occurs when water moves upwards in a narrow space against the force of gravity. The key components of a DIY self-watering planter – the planting area and the reservoir – are strategically positioned to leverage this action. The reservoir, located below the soil, holds a supply of water. A wicking material, like a cotton strip or fabric, extends from the reservoir into the soil. This material acts like a sponge, drawing water upwards from the reservoir and into the soil through capillary action.
The soil, in turn, provides the moisture needed for plant growth. As the plants absorb water from the soil, the wicking material continues to draw water from the reservoir, ensuring a consistent supply of moisture to the roots. This creates a self-regulating system where the plants receive water only when they need it, preventing overwatering and underwatering. The wicking action isn’t instantaneous; it’s a gradual process that allows the soil to remain consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. This is crucial because overwatering is a common cause of root rot, a fatal condition for many plants. The wicking system essentially creates a buffer, ensuring the soil maintains optimal moisture levels.
Interestingly, the effectiveness of the wicking action depends on several factors, including the type of wicking material used, the porosity of the soil, and the temperature of the water. Different materials have varying wicking capacities, with cotton and felt being popular choices for DIY planters. The soil should be well-draining but also able to retain some moisture. Warmer water tends to wick more efficiently than cooler water. This understanding of the underlying physics is what makes self-watering planters so effective and surprisingly simple.
Materials Needed to Make One DIY Self-Watering Planter
The beauty of this DIY project is its simplicity and the readily available materials needed. You likely have many of these items on hand already, making it an incredibly accessible project. For one DIY self-watering planter, you will need:
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- Two plastic storage bins of the same size. I prefer opaque bins to prevent algae growth in the reservoir.
- A utility knife. This is the primary tool for cutting the bins.
- A cotton hand towel or strips of absorbent fabric (old t-shirts work well). This will serve as the wicking material.
- Potting mix suitable for the plants you intend to grow.
Tools Needed for This DIY Self-Watering Planter
The good news is that this DIY project requires minimal tools, making it even more accessible. You’ll primarily need:
- A utility knife.
- A ruler or measuring tape (optional, but helpful for precise cuts).
No power tools or specialized equipment are required, making it a truly beginner-friendly project. The simplicity of the tool list is a significant advantage of this DIY method.
Steps for Making a DIY Self-Watering Planter
- Prepare the bins: Take your two plastic storage bins. One bin will serve as the upper planting section, and the other will be the water reservoir.
- Cut the upper bin: Using the utility knife, carefully cut a rectangular opening in the side of the upper bin. This opening will be where you place your potting mix and plants. The size of the opening will depend on the size of the bin and the plants you plan to grow. Aim for an opening that is large enough to easily accommodate your hands and allow for sufficient soil volume.
- Create the wicking system: Cut strips of cotton fabric or a cotton hand towel. The strips should be long enough to reach from the bottom of the reservoir bin up into the planting area, with some excess length for wicking. You’ll need several strips to ensure good water distribution.
- Position the wicking material: Thread the cotton strips through the opening you cut in the upper bin. Arrange them so that one end is submerged in the bottom of the reservoir bin and the other end extends upwards into the planting area. Ensure the strips make good contact with both the bottom of the reservoir and the soil.
- Assemble the planter: Place the upper bin (with the wicking strips) inside the lower bin. The bottom of the upper bin should not touch the bottom of the lower bin; there should be a gap to create the water reservoir.
- Add potting mix and plants: Fill the upper bin with potting mix, ensuring the wicking strips are well-distributed throughout the soil. Plant your seeds or seedlings as you normally would.
- Add water to the reservoir: Pour water into the lower bin (the reservoir), being careful not to overfill. The water level should be below the bottom of the upper bin to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Tips for Success with Your DIY Self-Watering Planter
While this DIY self-watering planter is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure its success:
- Choose the right potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. Avoid heavy clay soils, which can become waterlogged.
- Monitor the water level: Regularly check the water level in the reservoir and refill it as needed. The frequency of refilling will depend on the size of the planter, the type of plants, and the climate.
- Consider drainage: While the wicking system prevents overwatering, it’s still a good idea to ensure the potting mix is well-draining.
- Experiment with wicking materials: Try different types of wicking materials to see what works best for your plants and climate.
- Size matters: For larger plants or multiple plants, opt for larger storage bins. For smaller plants or limited spaces, 5-gallon buckets can also be used successfully.
The Benefits of DIY Self-Watering Planters: Beyond Convenience
Beyond the obvious convenience of reduced watering, DIY self-watering planters offer several other benefits. They can help conserve water by minimizing evaporation and runoff. The consistent moisture levels they provide can also lead to healthier, more vigorous plant growth. Furthermore, they can be a cost-effective alternative to commercially produced self-watering containers, allowing you to customize the size and appearance to your liking. The ability to create these planters from recycled materials also aligns with sustainable gardening practices.
A Sustainable and Economical Gardening Solution
Creating your own DIY self-watering planter is not only a simple project but also a sustainable and economical way to care for your plants. By repurposing readily available materials and harnessing the power of capillary action, you can create a thriving garden with minimal effort and environmental impact. This DIY solution is a testament to the ingenuity of simple mechanics and offers a rewarding experience for any gardener, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. It’s a practical and satisfying project that delivers tangible benefits for both your plants and your peace of mind.
